New Survey Reveals Most Canadian Teens Drive Distracted and So Do Their Parents

Ford is always trying to help keep their drivers safe. Part of this commitment is keeping on top of current trends. Here is some of the information from the latest survey:

· 93% of teens and 97% of parents in Canada admit to distracted driving even though they know it’s dangerous

· 72% of teens and 67% of parents use hand-held technology, such as texting and talking on the phone, while behind the wheel

· In Manitoba, 67% of teens and 69% of parents of teens admitted to using hand-held technology while behind the wheel

· What’s promising is that one in five teens and parents report they are using voice-activated, hands-free technologies most or all of the time over a hand-held device

Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 16, 2013 – Teens and parents still send texts, read emails and answer their phones while behind the wheel, according to a recent survey commissioned by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. Nearly all teens (93%) and their parents (97%) admitted to having engaged in some form of distracted driving.

In Manitoba, 67% of teens and 69% of parents of teens admitted to using handheld technology, such as talking on a handheld phone or texting while behind the wheel compared to national results of 72% of teens and 67% of parents.

Recent studies cite cell phones as being one of the most common distractions for drivers, and that drivers engaged in text messaging in the vehicle are 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision or to come close to having an accident compared with non-distracted drivers1.

Awareness of the dangers of distracted driving is also high. The survey shows that parents and teens alike believe that texting or emailing when driving is one of the most dangerous driving habits, second only to drinking and driving. The survey also shows one in five teens and parents report using voice activated and hands-free technology most or all of the time over a hand-held device.

“We want people to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and help them develop safer driving habits,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “Ford is deeply committed to driver safety. Technologies such as MyKey® and Ford SYNC® have important roles to play in limiting distractions and helping to change behaviours.”

Driver Technologies:

· SYNC – Uses voice commands to offer hands-free control of multiple functions, including phone calls, texting, music selection and navigation, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

· MyKey® – features a “Do Not Disturb” function which blocks incoming calls and deters text messages. Calls are diverted to voicemail and text messages are saved on the device for later viewing. MyKey® also has the ability to set a maximum speed level, limit the volume on the sound system, and disable the sound system altogether until seatbelts are buckled.

· Lane Keeping Aid – in case a driver’s attention drifts, this technology activates when the driver leaves his or her lane without a turn signal, and gently steers the vehicle back into the correct lane.

· Adaptive Cruise Control – helps maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Monitors a lead vehicle, adjusting the speed of the vehicle on cruise control to keep it at a pre-set distance behind the vehicle ahead of it.

· Collision Warning with Brake Support – Alerts drivers of a potential collision. Uses radar sensors to warn of vehicles ahead that are within a pre-set distance. The driver is alerted by a head-up display and an audible warning signal.

Other Survey Findings:

· 37% of teens and 22% of parents text or email while the car is in motion

· Both teens and parents are also likely to speed with 84% of teens and 88% of parents admitting to it

· Six out of 10 teens admitted to turning on the music so loud that other nearby vehicles could not be heard

· 71% of teens and 59% of parents admit to tailgating

· Riskier behaviours increase as teens age. New drivers, those 16 to 17 years old, are more likely to say they follow all of the rules of the road compared to those 18 to 19 years old (71% vs. 48%)

An online survey was conducted by Leger from August 9-16, 2013. A total of 528 teens aged 16-19 years old with a valid driver’s license, and 528 parents with a valid driver’s license, and who have a teen(s) aged 16-19 years old with a valid driver’s license, responded to the survey. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-4.3%, 19 times out of 20. Respondents were asked about the distracted driving behaviours they partake in, their view of their own driving skills, and their opinions on various distracted driving behaviours.